Andrew Luck injury scaring head coaching candidates away from Colts?

The injury to Andrew Luck’s shoulder resulted in the Indianapolis Colts having to throw away their entire 2017 season, and there are now concerns that it could prove even more costly for the franchise going forward.

David Kaplan of NBC Sports Chicago reported this week that the Colts were “all in” on hiring former Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Matt Nagy as their next coach. However, Nagy chose the Chicago Bears. Luck’s health was apparently a factor in his decision.

Source tells me the Indianapolis Colts were all in on hiring Matt Nagy. Uncertainty on health of Andrew Luck vs Mitchell Trubisky + Nagy’s belief the Bears roster is much better made decision for him. “Pace landed him by convincing him sunny days are ahead for the Bears.”

Luck has the potential to be the best quarterback in the NFL when healthy, but he did not play this past season after undergoing shoulder surgery in the offseason. He suffered a setback after returning to practice two months ago and was shut down for the year. While the 28-year-old recently said he does not expect to need another surgery, the situation is tough to get a read on after all that transpired in 2017.

With Nagy no longer an option, there have been rumblings that New England Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels is Indy’s top choice. But as Ben Volin of the Boston Globe notes, McDaniels could also be scared off by Luck’s injury.

Also, if true, this would be why McDaniels wouldn't take the Colts job. Luck's shoulder is a big wild card https://t.co/IGWwghLWCa

Luck spent time rehabbing in the Netherlands, and he says everything went well. Still, there were reports that he might need another procedure to address a new injury that was causing him pain. If the Colts can’t provide more clarity in the coming weeks, their head coaching search could be even more difficult than they anticipated.